Giving Back in the Corridor

With the holidays quickly approaching, it can be easy to get caught up and stressed about all that needs to get done – decorations, presents, holiday cooking and more. Giving back to the community can be a great way to relieve that stress and help others that are in more unfortunate situations. Below you’ll find various volunteer and charitable donation opportunities in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area. Please join us in attending or giving to a few of these great organizations. Happy Holidays!

Make donations of food or gifts to families at the Olivet Neighborhood mission. You can also adopt an individual or entire family for Christmas. Find more information about how to get involved here.

Crisis Center of Johnson County: Project Holiday 2017

Help others enjoy a festive holiday meal during the holidays with a donation to the Crisis Center of Johnson County’s annual project holiday meal drive. With your help, over 4,000 individuals will receive the groceries needed to make a filling holiday feast.

Domestic Violence Intervention Program

Give families affected by domestic violence a safe and special way to pick out gifts for their loved ones. Donated toys will be put into the DVIP holiday store so parents can hand select gifts for their children. Find the wish list and places to drop items off here. You can also donate to the DVIP directly here.

HACAP Sponsor a Family

Sponsor a family through the holidays through HACAP. Select and purchase gifts for a family in need. Learn more or sign up here.

Salvation Army Toys for Tots

Give back to children less fortunate with a toy for Christmas. Toys for Tots is for children ages newborn-14. Donate new, unwrapped toys at various locations around the Corridor. Find Cedar Rapids locations here and Iowa City locations here. Find a list of toy ideas here.

Shelter House, Iowa City

Help those without a home get back on their feet. Whether you want to make a financial donation or donate goods, it will be greatly appreciated. You can find a list of their greatest needs here.

United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties Adopt a Family

Looking to adopt a less-fortunate family for the holidays? Get connected with a family through United Way. Contact Patti Fields at 319-338-7823 or patti.fields@unitedwayjwc.org.

University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Center

There is always a need for blood, especially over the holidays. All blood donated stays local and helps patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. To schedule an appointment or to find blood drive locations, visit here.

Waypoint Wonderland

Waypoint Wonderland is a holiday celebration that provides gifts to families at Waypoint who are affected by homelessness, poverty, or domestic violence. Gift donations can be made until December 12. Find a gift ideas and more information here.